How to Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu

Video Transcript

"My name is Dr. Paul Kamitsuka. I'm the hospital epidemiologist at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. The questions is how do we protect ourselves from the swine influenza H1N1 virus. And the answer to that is first of all hand washing very important. Not only using soap and water, but also making use of alcohol gel hand sanitizers, which are effective. Second is avoiding contact with people who appear to be sick, with respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, aches. In addition, try to avoid crowded areas if possible. When you are in a crowded area that is where influenza may be transmitted more easily. You have to be aware that for example, doorknobs, or any items that people are touching could be potentially contaminated with the flu virus. Again underscoring the importance of hand washing. So once again in terms of preventing the swine flu infection the key things are hand washing, as well as avoiding contact with people who appear to be sick, and just being cognizant of trying to avoid crowded areas if possible since there is an enhanced likelihood of transmission of fluid in those settings."